Flash pulmonary edema is a sudden, abnormal build-up of fluid in the lungs. It is usually caused by heart failure and can be life threatening. The purpose of this study is to determine if a new form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify abnormal blood flow to the lungs and predict increased risk of developing flash pulmonary edema among older adults.

Association between MRI stress measures of cardiovascular stiffness and cardiovascular events [ Time Frame: Participants will be followed by phone for 5 years and up to 10 years pending renewal. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Pulmonary edema is a condition in which an abnormal build-up of fluid occurs in the lungs, which then leads to swelling. Symptoms include shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, and coughing. Flash pulmonary edema, which develops suddenly and can be life-threatening, is usually caused by heart failure. It occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is weakened and does not function properly, potentially impeding the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood pressure and fluid volume then increase, and excess blood accumulates in the blood vessels and tissues of the lungs. Flash pulmonary edema requires immediate treatment, including supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or medication. This study will determine if a new form of MRI testing can be used to identify probable abnormalities in blood flow to the lungs and predict increased risk of developing flash pulmonary edema among older adults.

This study will enroll people who are at risk of developing flash pulmonary edema. At a baseline study visit, participants will undergo a medical record review, a physical exam, blood collection, questions about cardiovascular health, and an MRI stress test. For the stress test, participants will first receive the medication dobutamine, which will increase their heart rate and reduce the blood supply to their heart. Participants will then be placed in an MRI machine and images of their heart will be taken. All participants will complete follow-up cardiovascular health questionnaires three times a year for 1 to 10 years, depending on when participants are enrolled into the study.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

55 Years to 85 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Sampling Method:

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must be diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

Diabetes with a fasting glucose level greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl and has been receiving treatment for more than 5 years

High blood pressure with a history of a systolic blood pressure level greater than 140 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure level greater than 85 mm Hg while on medication

Coronary artery disease

Exclusion Criteria:

Prior heart attack encompassing greater than 5% of the left ventricular mass (total MB greater than 3 or Troponin I greater than 2)

Heart attack, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or angina within the 1 year prior to study entry

Use of an investigational drug or device within the 30 days prior to study entry

Diagnosed with any systemic disease, including cancer, with a reduced life expectancy of less than 12 months

Chronic atrial fibrillation

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00542503